Black Ops Blog: October Is Manufacturing Month — Let’s Talk About Protecting What You Build

October Is Manufacturing Month — Let’s Talk About Protecting What You Build
 
 
Each October, we celebrate Manufacturing Month — a time to recognize the people, innovation, and infrastructure that keep America’s production engine running. From precision machining and fabrication shops to large-scale distribution centers, the manufacturing industry is the backbone of our economy.
 
But as we spotlight the achievements of this vital sector, it’s also the perfect time to examine a critical question: How secure are your manufacturing operations?
 
 
 
The Overlooked Side of Production: Physical Security
 
Manufacturing environments are often complex, with high-value equipment, proprietary designs, raw materials, and a rotating workforce of employees, contractors, and visitors. These factors create unique vulnerabilities that traditional access control or camera systems alone can’t solve.
 
Physical security isn’t just about keeping intruders out — it’s about ensuring the continuity of operations, protecting your intellectual property, and safeguarding your people in every possible scenario.
 
 
 
Threat & Vulnerability Assessments (TVAs): Knowing Where You Stand
 
One of the most effective ways to improve security readiness is through a Threat and Vulnerability Assessment (TVA).
 
A comprehensive TVA evaluates:
 

• Perimeter protection (fencing, gates, cameras, lighting, and access points)
• Employee and visitor access control procedures
• Alarm and surveillance coverage gaps
• Internal threat exposure (e.g., disgruntled employees, theft of materials or tools)
• Emergency response capabilities and coordination with local law enforcement

 
BOTC’s assessments identify weaknesses before they’re exploited. Each TVA includes clear, actionable recommendations to help facility leaders prioritize investments, improve safety posture, and align with best practices and insurance standards.
 
 
Physical Breach Tests: Turning Theory Into Reality
 
Once a plan is in place, the next step is testing it.
Physical breach testing is a controlled, real-world exercise where our team attempts to bypass your facility’s physical security measures — just as a determined intruder might.
 
The purpose isn’t to “catch” staff off guard, but to reveal blind spots in procedures, technology, or human behavior that can’t always be seen on paper. Whether it’s tailgating through secured doors, accessing restricted areas, or testing alarm response times, breach tests provide invaluable data that can’t be replicated in a meeting room.
 
 
Workplace Violence Awareness and Prevention
 
Security isn’t just about external threats — many incidents in manufacturing begin inside the walls of the facility. Workplace violence can stem from employee disputes, terminations, domestic issues that spill into the workplace, or even outside individuals targeting staff. These incidents can escalate rapidly, putting lives, operations, and reputations at risk.
 
Implementing a Workplace Violence Prevention Program is essential. This includes:
 

• Conducting behavioral threat assessments and identifying warning signs early.
• Providing awareness training for supervisors and staff on how to recognize and report concerning behavior.
• Developing clear response protocols for verbal aggression, threats, or acts of violence.
• Integrating panic alarms, controlled access, and video coverage into your emergency procedures.

 
By fostering a culture where employees feel safe reporting concerns, organizations can interrupt the pathway to violence before an incident occurs.
 
Building a Culture of Safety and Resilience
 
A robust manufacturing operation depends on efficiency, quality, and safety — and physical security is a foundational part of all three. When employees know that leadership is invested in protecting their environment, it builds confidence, improves morale, and reduces risk across the board.
 
This October, as we honor the manufacturers who power our communities, take the time to ensure your facility is protected from both external threats and internal risks. Security isn’t a one-time project — it’s an ongoing commitment to the people and processes that make your operation thrive.           
 
 
 
Black Ops Tactical Consulting
1-866-448-3159
www.botcamerica.com